Unexpected Visitors - 05/27/10 03:43 PM
Over the course of the past 5 years, I've had an unexplained phenomenon. It started in my last house, at the time we were trying to sell it. A bird came 3 days in a row and tapped on my windows. First it was the one near the piano, then the family room and kitchen. I was glad it was not a BLACK BIRD because of superstitions I had heard, I rather regarded it as my deceased grandma, letting me know she was taking care of things for me. 
Now, its been 3 years since I moved to a new home, … (78 comments)

Romeo, Where Art Thou? - 05/21/10 08:45 AM
Having a balcony is beauty at its best, but when in need it can become functional.
In the Italian Villages, they hang laundry off of it; they dangle a basket, which they lower to the street to bring things up or down.
In many apartment buildings, balconies have barbeques, some with enough room to sit, and some so small they hold junk.
The best balconies have plants and flowers decorating them, and feature a great view of the outdoors. But that type of balcony
could not have saved me as I need it to several times.
I’m talking about a balcony … (5 comments)

Wanting To Share - 05/18/10 03:10 PM
Today, having a few minutes between presenting an offer, and preparing a commission break on a deal in contract, I saw these personal photos I took on my computer, and these thoughts came to mind. How precious is time? What are the benefits of a few minutes or passing years?
These images show time at it's best. The beauty in the natural wearing of a clock tower set against the pale blue cloudy sky; the balance of soft colorful florals contrasting the aging stone and wrought iron details; and the deep rich red tones of the shutters, fence, and flowers played off … (5 comments)

MY HOME WENT THROUGH AIRPORT CUSTOMS - 05/14/10 07:29 PM
Pack the suitcases; throw in some socks, t-shirts and designer Italian shoes, and how about a balcony, some doorknobs, and the bathroom sink?
Would you believe these and many other parts of my home went through customs?
 

Having a Sicilian born husband, who’s a builder, has given me both American and European experience in housing construction and materials. My family has been to Sicily many times, living the culture and being exposed to the details, but I never imagined bringing to America the inspiration I loved so much there, to be part of my home here.
Sure when we … (42 comments)

Are You Attached or Unattached? - 05/09/10 08:48 PM
Do you prefer to go out or stay in? Is your decision based on personal preferences, aesthetics, or situations that are inflexible?
As you can imagine there are two sides for each, when talking about garages that is!
 

  In the 1800’s and early 1900’s, carriage houses and barns began popping up as structures separated from the home.
Carriage houses started as a need for the wealthy to keep their carriages indoors, often sharing the space with some horses.
Barns stood to symbolize hard work and traditions for its owners. They were used to house animals, and store … (3 comments)

I'll Tell You My Secret... Homes with Secrets! - 05/03/10 09:46 PM
If someone in Real Estate tells you a home holds a secret, you probably think of undesirable information; is it haunted? Are there leaks? Have termites eaten through the framework? You might also consider if there are family mysteries or confidentialities of past and
present owners. But today’s Real Estate market gives much more meaning toa home’s secret than that.
            In the 16th century, kings had secret doors leading to their lovers. In the early 19th century, slaves hid in houses with secret passages (known as the Underground Railroad). Mystery movies featured hidden rooms, and the wealthy always had safes hidden behind picture frames embedded in … (12 comments)